Fiona wrote:

i carry a strobe, 2 flashlights a couple of flares ( some expired )
and a marine VHF which i don't have a license to use.

You're in the UK, correct? No license is required in the US, but Canada
does require one. Perhaps it's because they still have the Queen on
their money? ;-)

i have the gear to get help and the smarts not to need it.

That sounds like a winning formula.

now when i paddled in newfoundland i was not so confident.

hope this helps.

by the way; the chemical light sticks ... they are useless for
anything but tracking friends in a night paddle or gentle light in
front of a tent so you don't trip.
i would never trust one as a safety device.

Interestingly, when we met with a local Coast Guard Unit, they indicated
that they are quite visible from the air. One should not rely ONLY on
them, but the CG recommended them as a useful addition to the required
lighting.